The DART Returns Home from Humanitarian Assistance Mission in the Philippines

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 19, 2013) - More than 80 members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) returned to CFB Trenton, Ontario, today after the completion of their 40-day deployment to the Philippines to provide humanitarian assistance following Typhoon Haiyan.

The DART, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contribution to the Government of Canada relief efforts in the Philippines, began arriving in Iloilo, Philippines, on November 13. The DART's more than 315 personnel were able to offer immediate assistance to Filipinos by providing water purification services, delivering food, clearing roads and supplying basic medical care to thousands of patients until local authorities and other international partners and agencies were able to contribute to their long term needs.

The DART is a self sufficient, scalable military capability ready to deploy quickly to conduct emergency relief operations as a part of the whole of government response. It is one component of Canada's toolkit to respond to natural disasters abroad.

Quick Facts

As of 16 December 2013, CAF members in the Philippines have:

produced approximately 493,346 litres of purified water for distribution;

treated 6,525 medical patients;

delivered approximately 230,485 pounds of food and 10,325 pounds of shelter and building materials on behalf of non-governmental organizations;

delivered approximately 59,536 pounds of humanitarian assistance goods on behalf of local authorities;

cleared 131 km of roads; and

flown 184 CH-146 Griffon sorties.

Quotes

"On behalf of the Government of Canada and in support of other Departments, aid organizations and local authorities, the Canadian Armed Forces responded with swift determination to assist in relief efforts in the Philippines. Their contribution illustrates Canada's commitment and our personnel's readiness to respond to international crisis."

Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence

"I am immensely proud of the hard work our men and women in uniform have done helping the people of the Philippines as they recovered from this devastating disaster. Their professionalism, dedication and skill in the spirit of helping people in need make me proud to call myself their fellow Canadian. Now, with their mission accomplished, I am happy to see them coming home for well-deserved time with their families."

Mr. Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland - Quinte West

"The Canadian Armed Forces embody Canadian values of generosity and benevolence. Canada has consistently demonstrated time and again strong support for humanitarian assistance throughout the world; this time was no different. Our personnel strive to bring security, stability, support and hope to those who need it. I wish to congratulate our men and women on a job well done."